Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and left the country for a “safer place” as protests and violence engulf the country’s capital, Dhaka.
The Prime Minister’s departure comes amid a severe crisis triggered by widespread anti-government demonstrations.
On Sunday, protesters stormed Hasina’s official residence, Ganabhaban, in Dhaka. Footage from the scene shows demonstrators looting the house, carrying away furniture including chairs and a sofa.
The unrest began with student protests in July, demanding an end to quotas in civil service jobs.
The movement has since escalated into a broader anti-government campaign. Over the past month, the protests have turned violent, with at least 280 people reported dead, including 13 police officers.
On Sunday alone, clashes between police and protesters resulted in at least 90 deaths and hundreds of injuries.
An indefinite curfew has been imposed nationwide to control the violence. Internet services were cut off for several hours during the protests.
Sheikh Hasina, who has led Bangladesh since 2009, is reportedly heading to the Indian city of Agartala by helicopter, according to BBC.
The resignation follows mounting pressure from demonstrators and a breakdown in law and order.
The army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, is expected to address the nation soon.
The United Nations has condemned the “shocking violence” and called for restraint from both Bangladeshi politicians and security forces.
